Hawaii News reports that one man has died in a motorcycle accident. The 43-year-old Kailua-Kona man died in a two-vehicle traffic collision at the intersection of Hinalani Street and Kamanu Street, Kailua-Kona Hawaii. The operator of the other vehicle, a sedan, has been cited for failing to yield. Speed and driver distraction are believed to be factors in the accident, which remains under investigation.
May is motorcycle safety month and this incident serves as a reminder to both drivers of motorcyclist and cars concerning safety tips when sharing the roadway with motorcyclists.
In order to reduce accidents, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends the following guidelines for motorcyclists:
· Wear proper protective clothing and gear such as helmets, gloves, goggles and a riding jacket. While motorcyclists over the age of 18 are not required to wear helmets, doing so protects riders from serious and potentially fatal head injuries.
· Be aware of your surroundings, both day and night,
· Avoid reckless driving such as driving too fast or while distracted.
· Drive at a safe speed - avoid speeding and adjust your speed in bad weather conditions.
Tips for drivers of cars and other vehicles include:
· Keep an eye out for motorcyclists. In a significant percentage of all car/motorcycle collisions, the driver of the car reports not seeing the motorcycle until it was too late.
· Pay attention to your blind spots – Before changing lanes, make sure the roadway is clear.
· Drive defensively when around motorcycles – understand that motorcyclists may make sudden moves to avoid debris or other roadway hazards.
For more information or if you or someone you love has been in a Hawaii motorcycle accident, please contact our Hawaii personal injury lawyers for an immediate consultation.
